How to Improve the Exterior of Your Home

One of the first things that people notice about your home is the outside appearance. From the front door to a well-maintained lawn, the curb appeal can either increase the value or diminish it. If you are hoping to refinance your home for a lower mortgage payment or are thinking about putting your home on the market, it's a good idea to do some simple maintenance to the exterior to add value to your home and improve the appearance.

Spring Cleaning

The easiest way to improve the outdoor appearance to your home is simply by cleaning it. Proper yard maintenance such as raking and mowing the lawn, can ensure that your home is always looking it's best. If you have children, it's best to create a storage area on the side or back of the house to keep toys out of the yard. This can make a home look cluttered and unappealing to guests or potential buyers. Your local home improvement store will have a variety of options from appealing wooden models to hard synthetic versions that are more for function, rather than appearance. Take into consideration the climate in your area and talk to a professional at the hardware store to see what model is appropriate for you.

For more serious cleaning, consider a power wash for the siding on your home. Rain and snow season can create a muddy exterior that looks dated. You can either hire a company to do the hard work for you, if you are not feeling up to the task, or you can do it yourself. There are a variety of power washing solutions that can be found at your local hardware store that make cleaning a breeze.

Upgrade Siding

If you own an older home, it's likely that the siding is made of wood. Over time wood can mold, rot and become warped, changing the way your home looks. Although it takes a great deal of time and money to update siding, there are a great number of benefits. Firstly, if mold is beginning to grow on the exterior of your home, it's likely that it's inside the walls. When that happens, rooms become moist and mold begins to grow inside the walls. This is an incredible health hazard, so if you notice mold growing on the exterior, it's time to stop the problem at its source. Additionally, warped or rotted siding can allow rain and other elements inside the walls, which can also create problems with the foundation of the home. So beyond superficial reasons, if your siding has begun to deteriorate it's time to upgrade. Synthetic models have an abundance of positive elements that make them the best deal on the market. They come in a variety of colors, so painting your home is no longer on your to-do list every other spring. Additionally, they are incredibly easy to install and don't deteriorate over time. It's a great investment that will protect your home, while making it look brand new.

New Doors

A great way to make a bold statement to your home is with a brand new door. Choosing a bright color or one with intricate details can instantly improve the look. Modern doors are also easy to install, so you simply have the task of choosing the style and installing it the next day. Many home improvement stores have a great deal of models that feature stained glass sides, large wooden doors with metal detailing, amongst others. If you are considering updating your door, simply measure the top and middle of both the length and width and take the smallest number to the store of your choice to find the right sized door. It's best not to choose a door that is larger than the space without professional help, as a door that is installed incorrectly can depreciate the value of our home, while creating drafts. Lastly, make sure you choose a model that is energy efficient to avoid cold air coming in and hot air from being pulled out. These models cost a little bit more, but can save you on HVAC fees in the long run.

Landscaping

Hiring a professional landscaper can instantly transform your home into a garden oasis. From perfectly planted hedges to flowers that burst with color, you can create the ideal exterior by bringing the right natural elements into your yard. Additionally, if you are hoping to improve a backyard deck area, planting the right hedges and flowers can surround you in nature as you dine al fresco. Consult with a professional to ensure you are choosing the right plants and flowers or hire a landscaper to ensure the best results possible.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a contributing author and expert carpenter, who specializes in vinyl siding Chattanooga. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and helping others to improve their homes.